The risk of being in another drought is increasing day after day. It is not too soon to prepare ourselves and dust off those drought plans even if there are still chances for rain and better moisture conditions. Today we will focus on those proactive and reactive strategies that we can implement on our ranches. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/4/2022 – Dusting off our Drought Management Plans
High Plains Ag Week 3/14/2022 – Cattle Market Update & Retained Ownership Decisions
Calf prices are up year over year. At the same time, forage availability is shrinking and grain prices are pressuring profits in the cattle feeding sector. What are the current forces to watch for in the beef cattle market and can retaining ownership increase profit potentials this year?
High Plains Ag Week 3/7/2022 – Russian Invasion of Ukraine effects in our Operations
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
In addition to the other horrors generated by the war, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has destabilized commodity markets. Commodity prices incorporate a substantial risk premium due to the high chances of lower production, higher costs, and more supply chain disruptions. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 3/7/2022 – Russian Invasion of Ukraine effects in our Operations
High Plains Ag Week 1-24-2022 – Building a Profitable Ranch Business
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Building a profitable business is key to successfully ensuring an economically sustainable operation. Today Pancho Abello will review one of the best tools that ranchers have to improve profits and accurately analyze the production, financial, and economic performance of their operations.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 1-24-2022 – Building a Profitable Ranch Business
High Plains Ag Week 1/10/2022 – AgriLife Budgets and Rising Input Prices
Today we take a look at Texas A&M AgriLife Budgets in the Crop Profitability Analyzer. We’re a bit later in the week in order to highlight a new report out of AFPC focusing on fertilizer prices, which we’ll discuss along with changes in custom service rates, chemicals, and more.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 1/10/2022 – AgriLife Budgets and Rising Input Prices
High Plains Ag Week 12/12/2021 – Year in Review
Do black swans still count as black swans if there is an entire flock of them? That’s been the question for this dynamic year in agriculture. What were the economic topics that drew the most attention in 2021? What are some of the challenges we foresee in the upcoming year? Today, Pancho and I wrap the blog for 2021. We’ll also take a brief look and upcoming AgriLife resources and programs to look out for in the new year.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 12/12/2021 – Year in Review
High Plains Ag Week 11/22/2021 – Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Other Disaster Programs
As we move into the holiday season, it’s important to not forget a few pending deadlines. The Livestock Forage Disaster Program application will be due at the end of January. Additionally, updates to ELAP may provide payments if producers were required to transport feed.
High Plains Ag Week 11/2/2021 – Cattle Market Update
I’m a day late on posting this week. But Pancho Abello will tell us whether cattle will come up a dollar short this fall. Today, an overview of cattle prices and some forces impacting the cattle market. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/2/2021 – Cattle Market Update
High Plains Ag Week 9/27/2021 – Review of 75% Plan Q3
We’ve reached the end of the third quarter in NCBA’s 75% Plan. How is negotiated trade holding up in each region? What are the prospects for the first year and implications of performance to this point?
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 9/27/2021 – Review of 75% Plan Q3
High Plains Ag Week 9/20/2021 – Grazing Decision Aids and Wheat Pricing for Grazing
Today we return to winter wheat decision making. Whether you’re a rancher looking for forage or a landowner looking for a partner to graze, its important to consider the leasing structure. What will you pay/accept? Is it on gain or per head? Today we review some more profitability outcomes for different leasing rates on winter wheat.